The Fiji National University (FNU) Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning & Teaching, Associate Professor Jimaima Lako, today reminded participants at the Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) that the event should be more than an exchange of data.

This year’s symposium theme is: “Celebrating Research Excellence in the Pacific.”

Associate Professor Lako encouraged participants to ensure the networks formed and ideas shared at the symposium lead to tangible actions that will improve the health and wellbeing of communities across generations.

“Over the next three days, we will hear more than 90 presentations and five major panel discussions on issues that matter deeply to our region: HIV and communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, planetary health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and the strengthening of our health systems,” she said.

“These conversations are not just academicW; they are about shaping policies, guiding practice, and preparing our region for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I wish to extend special recognition to our partners the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, regional organisations, technical agencies, and our academic collaborators in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Your support, alongside the tireless efforts of our organising committee, makes this symposium possible.”

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Honourable Penioni Ravunawa, said the timing of the symposium was fitting as Fiji and the Pacific continue to face ongoing, re-emerging, and new health challenges.

“This year’s theme promises to showcase the existing high-calibre research expertise, as well as the new generation of researchers who are being nurtured and mentored to become health research leaders for Fiji and the region,” Honourable Ravunawa said.

“There is a need to increase the volume of health research and expertise as we reconsider our performance as countries and as a region in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 3—Good Health & Well-being. Our collective national and regional performance can, and must, be improved.”

CMNHS Communicable Diseases Research Centre Adjunct Professor, Phillip Hill, said FNU’s research initiatives are beginning to show significant results.

“This year’s theme is very timely because research initiatives that FNU has taken across the institutions are starting to yield obvious fruit,” Professor Hill said.

“Without the recognition and investment in Pacific researchers, research—whatever the field or discipline will always be driven and dominated by outsiders. Outsiders should not be excluded, but rather guided by Pacific relationality that builds trust and mutual respect. This can evolve into scenarios where, for example, local researchers learn how to compete on the international stage. As a result, Pacific researchers will grow in excellence and take their place in leading the Pacific contribution to the global research agenda.”

The Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium will conclude this Friday.